Death Stranding 2: On the Beach: Overview & Critic Reception
This is a research-based overview compiled from publisher information, official patch notes and published critic reception. It is not a hands-on review and ParryStack assigns no score of its own. How we research and verify · Report an error
Critic reception
Metacritic (critic aggregate): 91 (PC) · 89 (PS5)
Source: Metacritic, checked 12 Oct 2026. These are third-party critic scores, not ParryStack ratings.
Summary
Death Stranding 2 was generally well received by critics (Metacritic 89 on PS5, 95% of critics recommending it on OpenCritic), with some mixed scores such as GameSpot's 7/10.
How this page works: it sums up verified facts and published critical reception. It is not a hands-on review and does not claim personal playtime.
What it is
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is Hideo Kojima's sequel to Death Stranding. It was released on PS5 on 26 June 2025 and on Windows on 19 March 2026 (ported by Nixxes Software). It is set eleven months after the first game, mainly in Mexico and Australia.
Gameplay
Players deliver packages and connect survivors to the Chiral Network. Vehicles unlock early and can be customised, and a monorail connecting isolated colonies can eventually be built. Weapons are non-lethal by default. Enemies include BTs and ghost mechs, and a day-night cycle affects their behaviour.
Reception
Metacritic lists 89/100 for the PS5 version, based on 152 reviews, and 95% of critics recommend it on OpenCritic. Notable scores include IGN 9/10, Famitsu 39/40 and GameSpot 7/10. It won D.I.C.E. Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Audio Design and Outstanding Technical Achievement, and was nominated for Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2025. Following the PC release, the game passed 2 million copies sold worldwide.
Verdict
On the published evidence, it is a well-reviewed sequel, though critics were not unanimous. Newcomers may prefer to start with the original game.
Pros & Cons
- Generally favourable critical reception (Metacritic 89 on PS5)
- Customisable vehicles and a buildable monorail
- Non-lethal weapons by default
- Critical opinion was not unanimous (GameSpot gave 7/10)
- Best experienced after the first game
Sources & fact-check
Release facts, mechanics and boss details on this page were checked against these sources on 12 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us.
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